Nasir Mahmud, the visionary behind Pennie Fabrics, founded the company in 2012 with a mission to bring the artistry of fashion design and premium fabrics to Sarasota, Florida. Born in Pakistan, Nasir moved to New York City in 1976, where he embarked on a successful career in the garment and textile industry. Nasir honed his expertise working on 7th Avenue and Broadway as a textile broker, collaborating with various design houses and labels. His deep understanding of fabrics and the textile industry led him to buy and sell fabrications of all kinds, becoming a trusted partner for companies across the city.

In 2013, Nasir moved to Sarasota, bringing his extensive knowledge and passion for fashion, textiles, and art to an area that lacked a resource like Pennie Fabrics. He saw an opportunity to fill a gap and introduce a carefully curated collection of high-quality, deadstock fabrics that could support both established designers and emerging creatives in the community and beyond.